‘Dreadstar’ Comic Book To Be Developed As Scripted Series With Jim Starlin

Universal Cable Productions has teamed with Benderspink (Ride Along) to develop the superhero comic bookDreadstar into a scripted series. Leading comic artist and creator Jim Starlin (Guardians Of The Galaxy, Captain Marvel) who will serve as executive producer and writer. Ford Gilmore is also signed on to produce.

“Jim Starlin’s cosmic space opera is a great read and it’s time for Vanth Dreadstar to make his television debut,” said Dawn Olmstead, EVP, Development at UCP.

Dreadstar, currentlypublished by Dynamite Entertainment, is based on the classic character from the Marvel-owned Epic Comics imprint and centers on Vanth Dreadstar, sole survivor of the entire Milky Way galaxy, and an ensemble cast of crewmates, including cyborg sorcerer Syzygy Darklock, and their struggle to end an ancient war between two powerful, evil empires: The Church of The Instrumentality, run by the Lord Papal; and the Monarchy, administered by King Gregzor.

“I consider Dreadstar to be an extension of my family, so it took me a while to feel comfortable letting anyone else take care of this project,” said Jim Starlin. “It has taken some time, but I know I’ve put my trust in the right team and I’m excited to collaborate with Universal Cable Productions and Benderspink to bring Dreadstar’s unique brand of chaos to television.”

Under Benderspink’s first-look deal with UCP, the company also is working with Evan Dougherty (Divergent) to develop the pulpy adventure Five Ghosts by Frank Barbiere and Chris Mooneyham for Syfy. Other projects in development at UCP include the horror comic book Night Mary with IDW Entertainment created by Rick Remender and Kieron Dwyer, and an untitled project with best-selling graphic novelist Warren Ellis. Starlin and Gilmore are repped by attorney Harris Miller.